02/02/06

Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards Nominees and Host Announced

Jazz flutist Alexander Zonjic (pictured) has again been tapped to host the Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards, scheduled for April 7 in Mississauga, Ontario. Zonjic, who hosted last year’s inaugural Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards, has also been nominated for two awards. When not emceeing, he performs 100 concerts a year and hosts the morning show on Detroit’s smooth jazz radio station, 98.7 WVMV-FM.

Keyboardist and composer Bob James will be honored with the George Benson Lifetime Achievement Award at this year’s ceremony, which will feature performances by Warren Hill, Steve Oliver, Paul Brown, Carol Welsman, Brian Hughes and Dave Sereny.

Top nominees include Feist, Chris Botti and Michael Buble, who was nominated for three awards including album of the year, original composition of the year and male vocalist of the year. Winners are chosen by both a panel of industry experts and through on-line voting. Fans can cast their ballot at www.canadiansmoothjazzawards.com, and yes, voting is open to the international audience.

Tickets to the ceremony start at $50. For more information, visit the ceremony Web site.